Nigeria, US step up military cooperation, plan joint actions

Nigeria and the United States have stepped up defence engagements, holding talks on joint military exercises, training, capacity building and other forms of operational and technological support, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

The discussions followed a visit to Abuja by General Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), during which both countries reviewed existing security cooperation and identified opportunities for deeper collaboration.

In a statement by Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, Anderson met with President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff and other senior military and security officials.

According to the DHQ, the meetings focused on shared security interests and the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in countering terrorism and other transnational threats affecting Nigeria, the wider region, and global security.

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“The existing security cooperation was reviewed, and opportunities for future collaboration were identified,” Uba said, noting that talks placed strong emphasis on capacity building through military training, future force development and real-world joint exercises.

He explained that both sides also explored “other unique capabilities” the United States could provide to support Nigeria’s military operations, particularly in strengthening the country’s overall security architecture.

“Nigeria and the United States deepened their security partnership during US Africa Command Commander Gen Anderson’s visit to Abuja, February 8–9

“The leaders discussed shared security interests and the two nations’ partnership in countering terrorist organisations that threaten Nigerians, the United States, the region and the world”, the statement said.

As part of the visit, Anderson also toured the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, a facility that supports Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

It said the fusion cell plays a critical role in bolstering Nigeria’s ISR capabilities and building enduring operational capacity that enables real-time results on the battlefield.

“Anderson visited the joint US–Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and supports real-time operational outcomes,” DHQ said.

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During interactions with senior Nigerian security officials, the AFRICOM commander reportedly reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions, stressing intelligence-sharing and technical advisory roles rather than direct combat involvement.

“He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to enabling Nigerian-led solutions through intelligence-sharing and technical advising that enhance Nigeria’s independent operational capability,” the DHQ added.

The Defence Headquarters said the engagements form part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen defence cooperation and jointly address evolving security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency and regional instability.

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